Oral Care and Considerations for Dental Treatment in Dementia Patients

Park,  Moon-Soo

J Korean Dent Assoc > Volume 56(4); 2018 > Article

The Journal of The Korean Dental Association 2018;56(4):231-237.
Published online April 30, 2018.

치매 환자의 구강관리와 치과치료 시 고려사항

박문수

강릉원주대학교 치과대학 치의학과

Oral Care and Considerations for Dental Treatment in Dementia Patients

Moon-Soo Park

Department of Oral Medicine and Diagnosis, College of Dentistry, Research Institute of Oral Science, Gangneung-Wonju National University

Abstract

The number of patients with dementia in Korea is estimated to be 576,000 in 2013 and 648,000 in 2015, and 840,000 in 2020 and 2,710,000 in 2050. Therefore, it can be expected that the number of patients with dementia will increase among the elderly patients who are looking for dentistry. Dementia and oral hygiene are closely related, so the future role of the dentist is very important. In order to treat effectively the patients with cognitive disorders, we should consider effective communication methods with them. Xerostomia is another important factor affecting oral health of dementia patients. In establishing the dental treatment plan, the most appropriate treatment method should be selected considering the characteristics of individual dementia patients and all possible efforts should be made for successful treatment results.

Key Words: Dementia;Communication;Xerostomia;Treatment plan;